Coconut Butter Benefits

You will be surprised to know that coconut butter is the same as coconut oil. Pure form of coconut oil turns solid in cold temperature. For this reason, in cold countries, it is sold in the form of cubes or chunks like butter and is referred to as coconut butter. This is because of the high atmospheric temperature that prevails there. Coconut butter is derived from dried or fresh copra or fleshy part of the coconut. Firstly, it is shredded and cleaned to get rid of any unwanted particles. Then it is steamed at about 220 degrees F for half an hour. The processed coconut pulp is then put into an expeller and pressure is exerted upon it mechanically for extraction of oil. The oil or butter, thus obtained is filtered and packed in bottles.

Health Benefits of Coconut Butter

The nutritional components and the medicinal properties of coconut butter is the same as coconut oil. Therefore, coconut butter and coconut oil benefits are similar too. Like the oil, coconut butter can be safely used both internally as well as externally. Ninety percent of coconut butter is saturated fat. It also contains a number of fatty acids that include auric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, etc. Some key benefits are discussed below.

Coconut butter has excellent skin moisturizing properties and is suitable for all types of skin. It improves the skin condition of dry, flaky skin and makes it soft and glowing. It has antioxidant properties that prevents the degeneration of the skin. Thus it delays the process of skin aging and other problems associated with it, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. It can effectively treat a number of skin conditions such as eczema psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. Due to so many benefits of coconut butter on skin, it is widely used as ingredients in soaps, lotions, creams and various other skin care products.

Coconut butter contains a high amount of essential proteins that promotes the growth of healthy hair. It acts as a hair conditioner and provides nourishment to dull, damaged hair. It protects the hair from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and helps maintain a shiny complexion. When it is massaged well into the scalp, it helps to control dandruff really well. It can be used to eliminate head lice and lice eggs too.

If coconut butter is used for cooking purpose, then the short and medium chain fatty acids present in it facilitates weight loss. It increases the rate of metabolism in the body and burns out the extra calories from the body and reduces fat. Moreover, the butter consumed is readily converted into energy and thus, it prevents any further accumulation of fat in the body.

Coconut butter is a rich source of lauric acid. This particular component has an amazing antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. This boosts up the immune system and helps it to fight off various forms of infections. Thus, it protects you from various diseases caused due to bacterial, fugal or viral attack.

It brings about marked improvement in the overall digestive health. The anti-microbial properties of its components destroy bacteria, fungi and parasites that are responsible for causing indigestion. It also facilitates better absorption of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients and make you healthy and stronger.

Coconut butter is good for diabetic patients. It promotes the secretion of insulin, which in turn, helps in controlling blood sugar. It stimulates the functioning of vital glands, including, thyroid and pancreas. It possesses amazing healing qualities. When it is applied on a wound or skin infection, then it forms a protective layer and prevents any further damage to the affected tissue. For this reason, it is used for treating herpes, ringworm, urinary tract infections, athlete's foot and so on.

In tropical countries, coconut butter is rarely found and the liquid form of coconut oil is more readily available. Those who live in these regions can use coconut oil to yield coconut butter benefits. In fact, while applying coconut butter topically on the skin or scalp, you have to melt it into oil first.